Ringing in new styles: Start your year off fashionably with local flavors

Ringing in new styles: Start your year off fashionably with local flavors

Article By Betty Taylor | New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

Whether you are rejuvenating, repurposing or reviving it, the “little black dress” has come a long way. Adding a pop of color, a belt or twisting a tie sash in a new way are just some of the many ways to create a unique party look for the new year without breaking the bank.

And “little black dress” now translates to “little blue dress,” “little sequin dress,” palazzo pants or a glamorous skirt.

At The Hungry Gypsy, 1015 W. San Antonio St., owner Zella Kapetanis and her daughters Sara Kapetanis (co-owner) and Heather Claxton of Bastrop, demonstrated the many ways to create unique party fashions. Their philosophy on creating a new look: Do not be afraid.

As Sara modeled a stunning blue sequin outfit, which showcased her long legs, she commented: “Without the belt, I looked like a square. … The belt accentuates the waist.”

The Hungry Gypsy carries consignment pieces, including designer labels, as well as new pieces that are overstock apparel from local boutiques.

As Heather modeled a short and sleek black evening dress, she grabbed a rhinestone-embedded eyeglass case.

“This could work as a clutch,” she explained.

Another tip she shared was wrapping a tie sash in a new, innovative way.

“I have a dress with a tie sash and wrapped it in a way that it normally was not meant to be wrapped. Everyone thought I had a new dress on. If they only knew,” Heather said. “I also have a friend who had a long necklace and used it as a belt.”

Heather also matched velvet peep-toe pumps with a sparkly, gold sequined number from Betsey Johnson.

Zella said jewelry, pops of color and scarves could be used to dress up basic pieces.

“It makes all the difference,” Zella said.

The store offers women’s apparel, shoes, handbags, jewelry as well as men’s fashions, many of which has a western vibe.

“You can get a great party dress for under $40,” Zella said.

The Hungry Gypsy is located in the same building as Harley’s House fashions and The Hair Studio.

“So you can find your party outfit and also get your hair done,” Zella said.

The Hungry Gypsy is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

“We will be open on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve. We will be closed on New Year’s Day,” Zella said.

For information, call (830) 491-8055.

At Once in a Blue Moon Consignment and Resale Boutique, 207 E. San Antonio St., owner Susan Heflin demonstrated how several pieces could be pulled together to create a cohesive look.

Heflin placed a gold mesh top over a long-sleeved black shell and matched it with a long, black skirt embellished with netting for a peek-through hem.

“I just added this little vintage purse with gold and silver beading,” she explained. “This whole look is about $80, which is a great bargain. Plus, it is unique. You won’t find several of the same outfits hanging on a rack.”

Heflin said black was a good color for the party season for two reasons:

“It’s slimming, and it is easy to build on,” she said.

Heflin added a teal shawl to black slacks, topping it off with a black and teal scarf.

“It creates a dramatic look,” Heflin explained.

For another outfit, Heflin matched burgundy (a hot fall color) palazzo pants with a steel gray metallic top, a vintage velvet burgundy purse, and a dramatic piece of jewelry, featuring several strands of dark gray crystals.

“All of our jewelry pieces are new pieces,” Heflin said. “Necklaces can really dress up a neckline.”

She matched a large necklace, featuring large silver and black beads with black iridescent crystals, with a vintage black brocade skirt with metallic highlights.

Heflin also carries a few new pieces that are vintage-style inspired.

For last minute party-goers, the boutique is open Mondays through Saturdays, including Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.

“But we will be closed on New Year’s Day,” Heflin said.

For information, call (830) 629-2888.

The CommUnity Resale Shop, 1024 W. San Antonio St., part of Communities in Schools South Center Texas, accepts donated clothing and offers accessories, dressy blouses, dresses and more.

Amanda Jimenez, assistant manager at the shop, tells shoppers that New Year’s outfits should be fun, advising them to go beyond gold, black or silver.

“The outfit should be as fun as you are,” she said. “My best advice though is to dress for the occasion.”

“If you are going to a ranch party with a bonfire and barbecue, you don’t need to wear a dress and heels. You can pair a dressy blouse with nice jeans,” Jimenez said.

Don’t forget the accessories, either, she said.

“You can add a scarf, instead of a belt, around the waist. Or add a snappy jacket,” she said.

The CommUnity Resale Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

“We will be open on Dec. 31. But we will be closed on New Year’s Day,” Jimenez said.

For information, call (830) 387-4453.

My Sister’s Closet offers vintage fashions from the 1940s to the 1980s. Visit My Sister’s Closet’s two retail locations in Adele Kerr and New Braunfels Downtown Antique Mall or schedule an appointment by contacting Kelly at (830) 708-1649.

“We have a lot of party dresses, accessories, wraps, stoles, jewelry and handbags,” said Marcia Kelly, owner.

Kelly said the cocktail-length dress was a good choice when it came to dresses.

“It suits every age, and you can do so much with shoes now. You can add tall, strappy sandals if you want more height,” Kelly said.

She also recommended pairing lacy or patterned tights with a shorter dress.

“You can mix current with vintage or classic,” Kelly advised. “I had a guest at my house who wore patterned tights and cowboy boots with a vintage dress. It looked so cute.” This look was one of my favorites, vintage clothing with the combination of a western look, from the streets of Santa Fe to big city society galas, women’s western wear is in. Pinto Ranch offers premier designer apparel, accessories, and jewelry for the best-dressed woman in town so you can look great from your hat to your boots. Delicate suede, embroidery, silk, and beading are only a few of the fine details that make up our one-of-a-kind collections of western clothing including Kids Western Wear. Exquisite handcrafted jewelry from some of the best Southwestern designers will complement any wardrobe.

For information about My Sister’s Closet, call (830) 708-1649.